A venue like no other: Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre

A venue like no other

TOITOI OVERVIEW

Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre opened in February 2020 after completion of the first stage of an earthquake strengthening and refurbishment project.

The historic Opera House, built in 1915, was strengthened and modernised alongside the construction of a new 660sqm events venue – Functions on Hastings.

The second stage of the restoration project included the strengthening and refurbishment of the heritage Municipal Building. The Municipal Building is linked to the Opera House by Municipal Lane and includes the Assembly Ballroom, along with a range of small to medium-sized venues.

Toitoi is not just a venue, it is a Fourth Generation Venue. This means it is more than just a “hall for hire” or even a community events centre - a Fourth Generation Venue is a learning environment through which new experiences are generated and new knowledge is created. It enhances cultural awareness, expression and understanding within its community.

Through this viewpoint, and by seizing this bold position in the market, Toitoi enables community access and participation in performing arts, cultural activities and events of all types, including business events and conferences, while also facilitating opportunities for youth employment, cultural expression and pride.

The Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre team is committed to the protection and preservation of our taiao (environment). The team works with the Hastings District Council Waste Minimisation group to ensure Toitoi’s operations and practices are strongly focused on protecting our environment, while also reducing waste and the consumption of power and water.

We are guided by the centuries-old, local Ngāti Kahungunu whakataukī (proverb):

Ko Heretaunga Haukunui, Ararau, Haaro te Kaahu, Takoto Noa.

Heretaunga - of the life-giving dew, of the

hundred pathways, the vision of the farsighted hawk, left to us, the humble servants. We encourage you, our clients, to join us as we continue to work hard to honour our land and people through sustainable business practices.

Located in Hastings city centre, Toitoi is situated for both convenience and accessibility. With the historic Opera House and Municipal Building at its heart, Toitoi offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring heritage architecture and modern technology. It truly is a venue unlike any other in Aotearoa.

Toitoi staff were awesome to work with – from the planning stages suggesting solutions for best options on the table settings and floor plan – to the tech support we received for the Awards component and production. We had a good level of entertainment during the night, that went off! The audience enjoyed the cool ambience that the Toitoi team created for the event. We would highly recommend using the venue in the future.

KEVIN MURPHY, CHAIRMAN NZEA

MODERN AND MULTI-USE

Functions on Hastings encompasses 660sqm of floor space with ground level access and clear sight lines. The ceiling’s breath-taking artistic representation of the Mākirikiri Stream cleverly conceals rigging systems and utilities designed to make our largest venue a genuine multi-use facility, whilst offering modern style and easy accessibility.

FUNCTIONS ON HASTINGS

MODERN INDUSTRIAL

Adjoining both Functions on Hastings and the Opera House, the Cushing Foyer can be used in concert with either venue, or as a venue in its own right. Modern design, including digital screens, art features and two mezzanine floors, combines to create a truly unique venue which blends the best of technology and architecture.

CUSHING FOYER

TOITOI’S BEATING HEART

With seating for 979 people and 240sqm of stage space, surrounded by an opulent Art Nouveau interior of awe-inspiring proportions, the Opera House theatre guarantees your guests a memorable experience. The Opera House was built in 1915 and is one of the top lyric theatres in Australasia. Combined with stateof-the-art technology, generous venue hire inclusions and a full range of services available, the Opera House is the beating heart of Toitoi. It can be used as a plenary or for a small banquet or unique cocktail party on stage.

THE OPERA HOUSE

Floor Area 240sqm (Stage only)

Theatre 979

Banquet (10pt) 150

Cabaret (8pt) 120

Cocktail 200

Classroom 105

Boardroom -

Expo -

Over the years I have run numerous conferences and seminars all over New Zealand, and I have never received the level of support provided to me at Toitoi. All staff were attentive, and no query or request was too much. They were always in the background to provide support, in a warm and engaging manner.

STEWART EADIE, GENERAL MANAGER, DOVE HAWKE’S BAY

HERITAGE OPULENCE

The Assembly Ballroom is a stunning example of Edwardian Neo-Baroque elegance with a built-in stage. Offering 400sqm of floor space, a 5m high ceiling, rigging points for truss and lighting and a 20m long balcony overlooking Heretaunga Street, this room combines lavishly refurbished heritage features with modern technology to create the complete package.

ASSEMBLY BALLROOM

Floor Area 400sqm

Theatre 360

Banquet (10pt) 300

Cabaret (8pt) 256

Cocktail 380

Classroom 252

BoardroomExpo -

Thank you to the Toitoi team for being quick adaptors and helping us pull off an awesome event. It’s an awesome venue.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Shakespeare is an ideal space for cocktails, product launches, small events or mediumsize meetings in any configuration. The room is easily accessible via lift or stairs from Heretaunga Street and features a separate space for catering. Formerly used as the Hastings District Council Chambers until 1977, this 144m2 heritage room will make your next meeting or event the most memorable yet.

SHAKESPEARE

Toitoi and Dish were a dream to work with and I felt so at ease with how everything was coming together. I know I said it on the night, but I really do wish we could just pack you all up and take the venue around the country!

EMMA HENDERSON, NATIONAL EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER, RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

CONTEMPORARY AND ADAPTABLE

Adjoining Municipal Lane, on ground level, this flexible, modern space can be used for a wide variety of events. Whether you’re holding a small theatre show, cocktail party, conference breakout sessions or even if you need a speakers’ preparation room, Tama Tūranga Huata will adapt to suit.

TAMA TŪRANGA HUATA

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

At 60sqm and situated above the corner of Hastings and Heretaunga Streets, with stunning views of Te Mata o Rongokako, this is an ideal large boardroom or small meeting space. Its name means “The Face” reflecting its purposehui kanohi ki te kanohi or face-to-face meetings.

TE MATA

INTIMATE AND UNFORGETTABLE

The best-kept secrets are always well-hidden and Cedric’s is no different. Tucked away on Municipal Lane and decorated as a 1920s speakeasy, this luxurious venue is best suited to cocktails, tastings, private dinners or even small weddings. Whatever your event, Cedric’s will make it intimate and unforgettable.

TOITOI CAPACITY CHART

My event at Toitoi was totally seamless and flawless. The Toitoi team’s attention to detail, starting with the venue and set-up, to menus and media through to catering and organisation on the night, was simply world-class. Our community could not have a more dedicated group of talented individuals at the helm and on the front lines working hard and smart.

HAL JOSEPHSON, DIRECTOR,

INNOVATE HAWKE’S BAY & PROGRAM CHAIR, PROJECT CONNECT

EVENT SERVICES

Bespoke event solutions

At Toitoi we understand that your business is our business. From the moment you book your conference, meeting, show or dinner, we will work collaboratively with you to create a bespoke total event solution which exceeds your expectations and ensures all your goals are met.

Creative thinking

The Toitoi team is committed to going the extra mile – our dedicated and experienced technical operations, catering and event co-ordination teams will pay attention to every detail. No request is too big, small or strange, as our creative thinking will ensure you get a solution that is uniquely tailored to your needs.

Full tech expertise

With state-of-the-art lighting, sound, audio visual equipment and expert technical and support staff based on-site, technical packages of any size or description can be designed and installed to suit your exact requirements. Our creative backgrounds mean you won’t get cookie-cutter solutions – your event and its technical package will be unique to you.

Contemporary cuisine

Dish Catering is the exclusive caterer at Toitoi. Dish is a diverse and highly successful catering company, which specialises in contemporary cuisine. The Dish team has many years’ experience in catering events of varied size and style. They will personally work with you to create a menu specifically tailored to meet your needs and indulge your tastebuds.